Undergraduate Research Ambassadors

Undergraduate Research Ambassadors are student leaders committed to helping their peers discover the transformative experience of research and creative scholarship at the University of South Carolina. Representing student research in a wide range of disciplines, they embody Discovery for Every Discipline and highlight the many opportunities and resources available through the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Meet the 2026-2027 Undergraduate Research Ambassadors

Lead Ambassadors

Tali Concepcion

Class of 2027 Major: Computer Science Research Topic: Detecting changes in heart rate as a marker for autism in neonatal infants using artificial intelligence.
Linden McGregor

Class of 2027 Major: Biochemistry Research Topic: Categorizing iron homeostasis of fungal pathogens to identify new protein targets for anti-fungal medications.

Savannah Cooke

Class of 2028 Major: Biochemistry Research Topic: Understanding how iron uptake and regulation contribute to fungal disease.
Kate Durden

Class of 2029 Major: Marine Science Research Topic: Determining the health of phytoplankton and other marine organisms in estuaries.
Eva Marie Eaton

Class of 2027 Major: Biology Research Topic: Genotyping experiments to find correlations between genes and learn more about Waardenburg Syndrome.
Mia Goedken

Class of 2027 Major: Chemistry Research Topic: Assessing air quality and climate health across different locations, over time.
Khufu Holly

Class of 2027 Major: Biomedical Engineering Research Topic: Distinguishing racial differences in inflammatory responses associated with preeclampsia.
Layla Latefi

Class of 2028 Major: Biology Research Topic: Mapping the visual system of zebrafish to give insight into vision defects in humans.
Julia Mailey

Class of 2028 Major: Neuroscience Research Topic: Examining the aversive learning pathways in the brain involved in substance use and addiction.
Emma Markwell

Class of 2027 Major: Biochemistry Research Topic: Investigating how a protein inhibitor drug can prevent resistance and stop breast cancer progression.
Sai Varun Nallu

Class of 2027 Major: Neuroscience Research Topic: Testing the effectiveness of ginseng supplementation on food intake, body weight, and neuroinflammation.
Brennan Ottone

Class of 2027 Major: Neuroscience Research Topic: Tracking the neural pathways associated with fear and anxiety.
Elianna Navarro

Class of 2028 Major: Global Studies and Neuroscience Research Topic: Improving early identification of reading and language disorders in bilingual learners.
Colin Strain

Class of 2028 Major: Public Health Research Topic: Identifying barriers that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in Type 1 diabetics.
Marion Sturkie

Class of 2028 Major: History and Biology Research Topic: Exploring the impact of pheromones on the rival effect and mating behaviors of Drosophila.
Sanjana Tripuraneni

Class of 2028 Major: BARSC-MD Research Topic: Generating more effective, durable treatments to prevent breast cancer progression and drug resistance.

Here's what Ambassadors say:

"Being an Undergraduate Research Ambassador has allowed me to give back to my peers and serve as a resource to others. It has also served as an incredible learning opportunity for me. I have learned so much about communication and who I want to be in specific roles. It has also increased my confidence and allowed me to develop new connections on campus."
Myrtle Yates, c/o 2026 Sports and Entertainment Management, researching Sports Marketing

Apply to be an Ambassador

Applications are available in January for Ambassador positions for the following school year. Check this page or follow us on our social media platforms for announcements about Ambassador applications and other great news from the OUR.

Nominate a student to be an Ambassador

Do you know an undergraduate student who would be a great Research Ambassador? Nominate an exceptional student from any discipline to be an Undergraduate Research Ambassador!

Do you have questions about Undergraduate Research?

This Is Undergraduate Research is a great place to spend a few minutes reading short stories of how research has impacted not only our Ambassadors but students all over campus.

The OUR can be reached by phone at 803-777-1411 or by email at our@sc.edu. Our office is located on the historic Horseshoe in Legare College, room 120. Students can schedule an appointment with a member of the OUR staff through EAB Navigate under "Make an Appointment" then "Involvement and Engagement" then "Undergraduate Research Appointment".

Undergraduate Research